1
: a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : fissure
2
: a usually V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances
the anal cleft of the human body
: partially split or divided
specifically
: divided about halfway to the midrib
a cleft leaf
Examples of cleft in a Sentence
Noun
The river begins as a trickle of water from a cleft in the rock.
He has a distinctive cleft in his chin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Doctors couldn't tell her how severe the cleft would be or any other complications that may be involved with Benji's diagnosis.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill Magee and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in cleft surgery and care.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleft
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Noun
Apparently growing out of the cleft between her breasts was a large mauve orchid.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Doctors couldn't tell her how severe the cleft would be or any other complications that may be involved with Benji's diagnosis.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Adjective
At the time, Kristina explained that the option felt confusing and overwhelming due to a lack of knowledge of a cleft diagnosis and how that would affect her son Benji.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill Magee and Kathy Magee, Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in cleft surgery and care.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleft
Cite this Entry
“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleft. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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Medical Definition
cleft
noun1
: a usually abnormal fissure or opening especially when resulting from failure of parts to fuse during embryonic development
2
: a usually V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances
the anal cleft of the human body
3
: the hollow space between the two branches of the frog or the frog and bars or between the bulbs of the heel of a horse's hoof
4
: a crack on the bend of the pastern of a horse
5
: a division of the cleft foot of an animal
6
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